The sound of clicking and shuffling was heard in the dark dungeon, a pair of ears perking up at the sudden arrival of noise, chains clanking against each other. Hooves clopping against the stoney ground as a low chuckle came from the dungeon cell, a soft click was heard from the locking mechanism. Princess Luna and Celestia standing in the doorway once the door opened, lights shining into the cell and showing the prisoner.

“Shade. We are surprised thou hath managed to stay so resilient after thines defeat all those weeks ago.” Luna said, the hornless unicorn snorted as he looked at the two sisters and stayed completely silent.

Celestia then spoke up, “Shade. We know your background, you used to be a highly skilled magic user with a bright future, before attempting to be a hero cost you your horn. You can have a chance to be that again, to be a hero if you just tell us what Erebus is up to and where he hides out at.”

“If I told you that, it’d spoil the surprise.” The grey unicorn said smirking, Luna growled slightly. Her horn beginning to glow before Celestia stopped her and shook her head, the moon goddess narrowing her eyes as the light died around her horn. “Shade, listen. I cannot guarantee that your imprisonment will be comfortable. But I can assure you, it is a lot better then a private execution.”

Shade laughed, “You seriously believe Celestia you have the stomach to kill one of your precious little ponies? You’re a fool if you’d think I’d be intimidated by that empty threat.”

Celestia kept a straight face, but in her mind, she knew she couldn’t stomach a execution. She could barely handle Nick pummeling Shade into the ground and watching the head roll off of the Timberwolf in the battle for Canterlot. Luna’s horn began to glow once more, a magical sword pressing against Shade’s neck, sliding up and to his chin and slightly raised his head up. Her bright blue eyes looking deep into his, “unlike our sister. We can stomach blood. Do not test us welp, or else we will personally execute thine.”

Shade looked into Luna’s eyes and could see the fire behind it, he narrowed his own eyes. The unicorn sighed, “I would tell you, if I knew what the bastard was up to. He only let me on about the attack on Canterlot, and expected us to come out victorious. Plan B sadly was not explained to me, more than likely for this very reason..as for where he is?”

The princesses ears perked up at this, they were listening intently. Shade then said, “if I said one bucking thing, Erebus would torture me in ways you all couldn’t even think of…”

Celestia sighed, and began to turn away with Luna to go out of the cell. “However…” Shade spoke, the two princesses stopping and looking at him with a raised eyebrows. “Look no farther than the Everfree Forest...Erebus stages most of his experiments in the east, and holds most meetings with the other members of his little crew on the west.”

“And for Erebus’s exact main bases location?” Celestia asked, “that I cannot tell. To minimize my chances of suffering a horrific death. Enjoy searching..” Shade said, alicorn smiled at him. “You did the right thing by telling us Shade. We will have two pairs watching the outside, and inside of your cell.”

Shade closed his eyes, “yeah yeah...they won’t help. But thanks for the attempt.”

The princesses walked out of the cell, closing the door and locking it before walking out. Leaving Shade alone, whos spine tingled. He was going to die either way, the unicorn closed his eyes and began to think about his life. From his earliest moments as a colt, to earning his cutie mark, to accepting Erebus’s offer to become powerful again. He chuckled slightly as he hanged his head down, being alone in the cell. Only him, and his thoughts.

“I would suggest not moving it around all to much mister Taylor. While the enchanted wraps around your left leg will allow you to walk while your bones are healing, too much pressure on it may negate the healing done, and if you continue after that? Permanent damage to your leg will be imminent…” The doctor told Nick, who was currently sitting on the edge of his bed wearing his clothes. A massive bandage still on his head, “and this?” Nick asked pointing to the bandage.

“Alongside the medicine we have given Princess Twilight, it should help stop the splitting migraines you may feel in your head, just follow all that. And you should be good in the next week or two.”

Nick rubbed his chin, “alright. I can do that.” Nick said standing up, cautiously testing his leg before stretching. “At least I feel a lot better then when I woke up last night..not as sore.” He said, the doctor nodded. “I hear Pinkie Pie is throwing a party for you finally waking up after those few days.”

Nick looked out the window, seeing the massive signs at Sugarcube Corner and the mass amount of ponies gathered around. The human laughed, “yeah. I can tell heh, anyways. Thanks dude, here’s to hoping this is my last visit..” Nick joked as he walked out the door. Stepping out of the main door, Nick took a whiff of fresh air. “Feels good…”

Nick began to walk to the party, a number of ponies on the side giving woos to him. Some even holding up signs. Nick rubbed the back of his head as he chuckled a bit, ‘I suppose I did save them from that Dragon. And saved their princesses and the main capital city.’ Nick laughed more as he made it to Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie Pie slamming the door open and smiling widely at Nick. “NICK!!!!!! WELCOME!” She shouted as she lunged at him, Nick quickly side stepped.

“Sorry Pinkie, but I kinda can’t do a lot of hugs...still a bit sore and still recovering.” Nick said, Pinkie pouted. “Fiiiiiiiine, at least you’ll be able to play the party games!” The pink mare said joyfully.

Nick nodded, “you know it!” He said smirking.

Pinkie Pie walked Nick inside, almost every pony in the building looking at him with wide smiles. Especially the other members of the Mane Six, who quickly swarmed Nick and forced him into a group hug before he could even say anything. The human laughing before letting out a few groans of pain, prompting the ponies to back off him. “It’s nice to see you all too.”

Rarity was the first to speak up, “darling. Sweetie Bell was asking about you constantly when she found out the news of what happened to you.” Nick raised an eyebrow, before shrugging. “I’ll have to visit her and the other crusaders. Assuming they aren’t at this party.”

“Sadly they are not, apparently important Cutie Mark Crusader business popped up.” Applejack spoke up, Nick laughed a bit. “Ah it’s alright. Just feels good to finally move again!” He then turned to a few of the party games, being a lot more involved then the previous party that was thrown for him.

“So, who’s up for some party games?” Nick asked with a wide smile.

Author's Notes:

It seems Erebus is going to get a rather rude knock on his door. LOL, apologies for the chapter being so short, I have a schedule of writing on the weekends, more then likely on Saturdays, so expect the next chapter to be out on Saturday or Sunday, I was kinda pressed for time on this chapter as well so yeah. Otherwise hope you find some enjoyment and ciao!